Theresienhöhe: A new dense and green neighbourhood in Munich

Theresienhöhe is a former fair site in Munich transformed into a dense and green neighbourhood. As the city's trade fair activities moved to the former airport area, an area of 47.1 hectares close to the city centre, named Munich Riem, became vacant. This allowed for the development of a new neighbourhood.

Maximilian Dörrbecker Wikipedia Creative Commons

Theresienhöhe is approximately one third the size of the
historical centre of Munich. The area has optimum access to public
transport and is located 1 km from the main railway station and 2.5
km from Marienplatz, the main square in the heart of Munich. The
area was municipally owned, as the urban development process
began.

The strategy for Theresienhöhe was to implement the city's
guidelines on 'compact urban-green' development. In addition,
Theresienhöhe sought an economically sustainable proposal that
would generate revenue to build the city's new fair site. A large
number of lots were divested through sale of real estate and the
project has been an economic success for Munich.

An overall master plan for Theresienhöhe was laid out in an
international design competition, won by architects Steidle
Partners and landscape architects Thomanek Duquesnoy. Prior to the
architectural competition, area residents were invited to a
workshop on ideas for the future Theresienhöhe. The results of the
workshop became an essential part of the competition's mission
statement. The goal for Theresienhöhe was to create a unique and
autonomous district integrated with the surrounding urban
areas.

A wide range of demands and wishes from the neighbours of
Theresienhöhe such as schools, facilities for children and youth,
and better public urban spaces became a part of the area's master
plan. Numerous meetings of the project's advisory group as well as
workshops and public events were held throughout the planning
process. Some of these sessions involved real estate financing and
business. The open planning process led to results with a high
degree of acceptance, although not all wishes were fulfilled. This
planning process has now become a permanent part of planning
procedures in Munich.

Today, Theresienhöhe is a dense and green urban area with mixed
residents and ownership. The district has 4-5,000 workplaces and
1,400 apartments of which 50% are publicly subsidised rentals.
Approximately 25 hectares of Theresienhöhe's 47.1 hectares are
public acreage of which 11.2 hectares are green and public
spaces.

Compact urban-green

Overall planning in Munich is based on the city's strategic
development plan, 'Perspective Munich'. Perspective Munich consists
of ten guidelines with objectives of economic, social, spatial and
regional development. The 10 guidelines are based on the interplay
between the three key elements - compact, urban and green - which
define the future city.

Compact through space-saving planning, density
defined by the specific urban area, and short travel
distances.Urban through a varied, dynamic and mixed
use.Green through parks and play areas close to
residential areas and the preservation of the open spaces of the
city.

Perspective Munich was adopted in 1998 and has undergone
continuous refinements.

Comments

Green city

Key Learning Points >

Former industrial areas in the inner city can with great success be transformed into liveable dense neighbourhoods.

Reusing some of the original buildings for museums and combining business and housing creates mixed use and lively atmosphere.

By involving the residents from the surrounding neighbourhoods in the planning process it is possible to create a well integrated new part of town.

Process >

1987 Decision for the relocation of the trade fair by city council

1996 City council decides design parameters for the subsequent use of the trade fair area.

1996/97 Competition for Urban structure and landscape

1999 Reopening of the “Bavaria Park”, start of real estate sale and competitions forthe realisation of the various buildings

1999- 2009 Construction period with gradual openings of public facilities, green spaces and housing

During the planning process numerous sessions of the attendant work-group, workshops and public events were held involving the neighbourhoods in the planning process. This offered a forum for controversial discussions and constructive proposals to optimise the planning

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